SafetyTech News | Issue 045

I dropped the ball on #SafetyTechNews in the last quarter of 2024 - priorities shifted, as they do, mostly to focus on health, family and clients. This issue will aim to clear the decks of a collection of things that I've saved over the past few months - a necessary reset.

I don't have a specific goal for SafetyTech News this year but I will endeavour to be a bit more consistent if I can; one or two issues a month will be the loose target but to be honest a lot of that comes down to being sent content rather than me uncovering it. I will absolutely continue to scour various sources to bring you the latest from the intersection where safety and technology meet at the cutting edge; but I need your help... If you come across something news-worthy please DM or tag me Cam Stevens in a post and I'll make sure to review and feature it. Solution providers, tech vendors, event organisers; send me your latest!

Okay...let's get on with it.

CES happened in Vegas last week (i've still never been but it's on my bucket list) and there was a bunch of awesome tech unveiled, check out the back catalogue of posts from Kevin O'Donovan & Alan Smithson for highlights - but this was my favourite; a dyslexia-friendly monitor!

Lili for Life unveils dyslexia-friendly monitor

French startup Lili for Life unveiled its latest innovation at CES 2025: the Lili screen, a 27-inch monitor designed specifically for dyslexic users. Building on research by physicists Albert Le Floch and Guy Ropars, the screen uses subtle light flashes to address overlapping "mirror" images caused by dyslexia, enhancing text clarity and comprehension.

While not a cure, the Lili screen offers a practical tool to improve reading speed and reduce strain for the estimated 5-10% of the global population affected by dyslexia. Currently available across Europe and the UK, Lili for Life plans to expand availability to the United States - fingers crossed we get it in Australia too!

This type of tech underscores the growing trend (that I'm playing lose attention to) around personalised technology designed to meet individual preferences, learning styles, and abilities. I predict a future where solutions will not only prioritise universal accessibility but also adapt dynamically to users' unique needs. This shift will redefine the way we approach safety, learning, and productivity, paving the way for a more inclusive and empowering tech landscape at work.

...and check out some of the other cool tech from Lili here:

OSHA Deploys Vuzix M400 AR Smart Glasses

I must admit I did a double take when I saw this XR Today article... the regulator using immersive tech! Whaaaat! OSHA’s deployment of Vuzix M400 AR smart glasses is definitely an exciting demonstration of progress for a regulatory body, highlighting the potential for how cutting-edge technology can enhance safety and efficiency during inspections and training. This move highlights the regulator’s willingness to innovate and embrace tools that have the potential to reshape workplace safety standards - perhaps others will take notice?

However, there are significant risks that must not be overlooked when integrating tech into compliance and inspection processes. Wearable camera technologies like these can easily be perceived as surveillance tools rather than enablers of safety and collaboration. Missteps in implementation or communication will erode trust and reduce psychological safety, undermining their potential impact. It’s critical to approach these deployments with a deliberate, transparent strategy to ensure they empower workers and stakeholders rather than alienate them.

The choice of a head-worn wearable is also intriguing. While it provides hands-free functionality and immersive capabilities, it's not exactly low profile, it likely represents just one part of a broader toolkit (here's hoping).

To Australian regulators: If you’re considering exploring this type of tech for our regulatory landscape, I’d be happy to host a no-cost workshop to dive into the pros, cons, and strategies for effective deployment. Send me a DM.

In other regulator news...

WorkSafe New Zealand has accepted AI technology as a corrective action in an Enforceable Undertaking

This is an interesting one... Ecostore (a New Zealand-based company that makes home and body care products) has committed NZD$323,000 toward improving workplace safety as part of an enforceable undertaking (EU) with WorkSafe New Zealand. This decision follows a March 2023 incident where a worker at Ecostore’s Pakuranga, Auckland factory suffered chemical burns to his eyes. The injury occurred while the worker attempted to shut off a pressurised hose that had come loose, spraying hazardous liquid into the air during the production of dishwasher powder.

In response, Ecostore’s EU includes CCTV with machine learning (computer vision AI); designed to support hazard identification, proactive risk mitigation, and the design of safer work environments.

My Take: This case demonstrates regulators are open to innovation - tick. As a strong advocate for computer vision, I see technologies like this offering critical insights for work design improvements - tick. While PPE compliance is a very common application it can be polarising. A broader, human-centered approach is essential, focusing on how these tools can empower workers, reduce risks, and create meaningful cultural shifts. Read more here:

It’s encouraging to see regulators supporting modern safety technologies, but thoughtful implementation is key. This next article sheds some light...

With a 'CCTV camera in every laptop' as workplace surveillance extends to the home, governments are trying to determine a limit.

This article explores the growing prevalence of workplace surveillance, from tracking keystrokes and movements to using biometrics and wearable devices. While employers highlight benefits such as increased productivity, improved safety, and operational compliance; critics warn of potential overreach that risks eroding trust, increasing stress, and dehumanising workers.

Governments are now investigating how to regulate these technologies, with ongoing inquiries examining their ethical implications, privacy concerns and the balance between productivity and workers' rights.

My Take: This is all about responsible innovation. Modern health and safety professionals must stay informed about these technologies, their ethical challenges, data privacy challenges and their impact on health, safety and well-being. By serving as a concierge for change, we can guide organisations to adopt these tools thoughtfully and ethically - in a human-centred way. This article highlights some of the key issues we need to address.

AR Guidance: Tech Integration at Industrial Sites

Unity has unveiled an "industry-first" augmented reality solution designed specifically for construction machinery. This innovation harnesses AR to enhance operator training, improve safety standards, and boost on-site productivity. By integrating immersive visualisation tools, it empowers construction professionals to better navigate complex tasks and environments. Not sure it's exactly an "industry-first" but I do think the visuals leading edge. I'd love to see this kind of tech working properly in a wearable form-factor. Stay tuned there's a lot of movement happening in the XR space in '25.

Digital Twins at ConocoPhillips: Revolutionizing Global Operations

ConocoPhillips has is deploying "digital twins" (define at your peril) at scale to allow the company to reduce onsite personnel by shifting workers to safer office environments, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and improving workplace safety. They are also streamlining operations such as locating equipment for maintenance, cutting search times by up to 90% and reducing work order times by 15%. Learn more here:

Watch NASA astronauts use VR to ‘explore’ upcoming lunar space station

NASA is leveraging virtual reality to prepare astronauts for life aboard the Lunar Gateway, a space station set to orbit the moon as part of the Artemis missions. Using VR headsets, astronauts Raja Chari and Nicole Mann explored a virtual representation of the Gateway, performing tasks such as conducting experiments, managing supplies, and testing living conditions.

Their feedback is instrumental in refining the station’s design for safety and comfort, ensuring it supports future deep-space exploration. The Lunar Gateway, expected to be operational for Artemis IV by 2028, is a cornerstone for advancing lunar missions and future human exploration of Mars.

Safety in design is a major use case XR tech and I really wish we used it more in regular businesses - perhaps starting small with 360 camera tech, some basic 3D models. It doesn't have to be expensive but I think we use that as an ongoing excuse to avoid exploring the potential.

Webinar Replay and Highlights: Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Safety-Critical Industries

Safetytech Accelerator has been up to a lot recently and you can check out more of what they've been up to in this video:

In late November last year, STA held a webinar exploring how AI, robotics, wearables, and exoskeletons are reducing musculoskeletal disorders in safety-critical industries. Experts shared insights on overcoming barriers, evaluating solutions, and achieving safety and productivity gains.

The accompanying report, ‘Tackling MSD in Industrial Sectors with Emerging Tech,’ highlights real-world successes and actionable strategies. Access the recording and the report to learn how emerging technologies are transforming MSD prevention via the link below:

Lighten the Construction Industry Labour Shortage With Remote and Autonomous Equipment

Labour shortages continue to challenge industries globally and construction is being hid very hard. With an aging workforce, declining interest in labour-intensive roles, and increased demand for infrastructure, the pressure is mounting to find sustainable solutions.

This Procore-related article highlights how automation and robotics are stepping in to fill the gap. Systems such as Caterpillar’s Cat Command empower operators to manage heavy equipment remotely, often handling multiple machines from a centralised location - we are familiar with this approach in mining and O&G but not so much in construction... yet.

This shift not only reduces reliance on human labour but also enhances operational precision, reduces downtime, and opens up opportunities for a different workforce profile. I've seen some good examples of this working but there are a bunch of challenges for this shift to happen at scale - we're at the tipping point and with a responsible innovation approach we can likely benefit all stakeholders while minimising collateral damage.

Comparison between WBGT app prototype and WBGT monitor to assess heat stress risk in an eastern North Carolina outdoor setting

Always pleased to share research on SafetyTech - this is the latest from Bridget Angol, Sinan Sousan, Ph.D. and Jo Anne Balanay

"The article describes our NIOSH-funded pilot study that investigated the reliability of a WBGT app prototype that we developed at East Carolina University (ECU) for heat stress assessment in outdoor occupational settings. The algorithm used by the studied app prototype was built upon and improved in the currently available AIHA Heat Stress App" - Jo Anne Balanay

AI & Offshore Energy: The Higher the Stakes, the More Value AI Creates

This article provides a (biased) glimpse into how the offshore energy industry is embracing artificial intelligence to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Key examples include Halliburton's AI-powered tools for autonomous drilling and fracture control, and IBM's AI solutions for asset management and operational optimisation. Companies like Woodside are also leveraging generative AI to extract insights from decades of engineering data, optimise processes, and improve safety through applications like monitoring bird activity near offshore facilities. Learn about some of the use case examples here:

Chevron | hologram technology offers new perspectives

Saudi Arabian Chevron recently unveiled a hologram display tool at the 2024 International Petroleum Technology Conference, showcasing its ability to transform complex subsurface data into engaging 3D models. This technology enables professionals to better understand reservoir characteristics, guiding more informed decision-making and improving safety by anticipating drilling challenges.

What's exciting about this hologram technology is its broader potential. And for me it's all about providing context - Hologram tech can be applied to fields like construction, industrial design, and urban planning; any area where 3D visualisation can provide critical context to data. Not everyone thinks in 3D, but holograms make complex information more tangible, allowing a wider range of people to engage with the data, fostering collaboration, and driving smarter decisions across industries. More here:

FDNY's Robotics Program: Enhancing Fire Safety Through Innovation

Firstly - my heart goes out to all those affected by natural disasters, especially those impacted by the fires in LA. This article talks about technology options being explored by the New York Fire Dept. Utilising drones and other mobile robots, the program is said to enhance situational awareness, speed up decision-making, and improve firefighter safety. Drones provide critical thermal imaging and aerial views during fires and disasters, while mobile robots navigate hazardous environments such as building collapses.

Expanding beyond traditional firefighting, the program has used drones for monitoring sharks on beaches and spotting swimmers in distress, showcasing the versatility of these technologies. Looking forward, the FDNY is exploring LIDAR and SLAM technology to further enhance urban safety and efficiency. More here:

Top 8 Workplace Health and Safety Trends & Innovations for 2025

See mine in the last post of this issue...

EU-OSHA Call for tenders is “Mental health and digitalisation"

A much needed area of research - check out the tender call from European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) who have developed some excellent resources lately.

Soter Wearable Features Poll

Matthew Hart has posted the following research poll - it's a decent question; a couple of minutes to think about it and a couple of seconds to answer. Poll linked here:

Did you know visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text?

A great post from Noel Darcy on the power of visuals in safety and risk management... follow his profile for more goodness like this.

How Generative AI Will Transform Strategic Foresight

Do yourself a favour. Download and read this.

And now for some event news...

TuMeke Ergonomics Webinar | Building a Business Case for Ergonomics

This one is happening tomorrow so get in quick:

Register here:

This event curated by Nippin Anand looks fabulous - check it out:

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Okay so that's it for this Issue - but before I go - a few things going on in my world along with some shameless self promotion...

Micro-Experiment Announcement: AI + WhatsApp for Safety Innovation

The Safety Innovation Academy has partnered with Navatech to conduct an experiment using an AI companion inside WhatsApp groups used for health and safety...the micro-experiment aims to explore the integration of an AI companion into WhatsApp groups. In a simulated WhatsApp environment, we’ll experiment with hazard reports, incident discussions, and observations, while the AI assistant structures insights to help improve safety workflows.

This experiment will test how an AI assistant performs in a familiar consumer interface like WhatsApp, identifying what works, what doesn’t, and how we can manage data privacy responsibly.

It’s the first step in building a community of practice for innovative safety solutions.

?? To register your interest, email [email protected], and I’ll share more details.

?? Follow Cam Stevens for the official launch announcement coming next week!

In other news from my world...

I'll be in Adelaide 20th - 22nd January - have about 5 minutes spare but could possibly squeeze in a coffee if anyone from my network is keen to catch up.

I'm speaking at the following events coming up soonish.

National Safety Conference hosted by NSCA Foundation 25 - 27 March I'll be on a panel talking about innovation with incident investigations and a presentation on practical use of video for innovating health and safety risk management processes. It's in Sydney... with Sidney. Lol.

I'll be packing my cowboy hat for this one... my first HSE Global Series event in Nashville, TN in May. I'll be facilitating a panel on AI - I'm seeking an additional panellist if know someone; slide into my DMs. I'm super excited for this... Paul, Katie & Anna are shifting the dial; check out the North America event and the rest of the global calendar here:

Lastly; the fabulous John Windell interviewed me for IOSH Magazine - I'm centrefold page 12 - 13 and it covers my predictions for 2025.

Read it in it's full digital glory here: https://issuu.com/redactive/docs/iosh_janfeb25_full_lr

ok that's really it... thanks for tuning in; remember - feedback is a gift, it fuels the algorithm and it gives me the necessary dopamine hit to keep on going with these newlsetters; like - comment - share - tell 'ya mates.

See you next issue.

For now.

Be Safe & Stay Curious.

'Cam